Category: Tar Heels in NFL

Record-setting UNC football standout named Tulsa interim head coach

The best punt returner in UNC football history landed his first head-coaching job.

If you watched the North Carolina Tar Heels during the 2013-2016 college football seasons, chances are you witnessed a certain wide receiver deliver several, electric punt returns.

If you remember those same years, you also likely saw that same UNC player catch nearly every ball that was thrown to him.

Okay, enough with the mystery. That former Tar Heel is none other than Ryan Switzer, who was named the Tulsa Golden Hurricane’s interim head coach on Monday afternoon.

Switzer replaces former Indiana head coach and Ohio State offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson, another former North Carolina player (1980-1983), who went 7-16 in just under two seasons as the Tulsa head man.

Switzer was an integral part of the Larry Fedora era, playing arguably the top offensive role in leading UNC to four straight bowl appearances, which included a 2013 Belk Bowl victory over Cincinnati.

Switzer caught 244 passes for 2,907 yards and 19 touchdowns over four seasons, which made him the Tar Heels’ all-time leader in receptions and receiving yards.

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As impactful as Switzer was in North Carolina’s passing game, he was even more of a factor in the punt return game.

Switzer is UNC’s leader in punt return yardage (1,082) and touchdowns (7), the latter of which is most in ACC history and one short of the NCAA’s all-time mark. Switzer’s five return TDs in 2013 tied him with former Hawaii standout Chad Owens, who initially set the mark in 2004.

NFL teams noticed Switzer’s collegiate prowess, but it was the Dallas Cowboys who made him their 2017, fourth-round NFL Draft selection.

Switzer’s best years were with the Pittsburgh Steelers, though – and after just three NFL seasons in which he totaled 321 receiving yards, one receiving touchdown, 537 punt returns yards, one punt return TD and 1,373 kickoff return yards – Switzer joined the Tulsa coaching staff.

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Drake Maye earns praise after Week 11 game

Drake Maye was recognized as one of the NFL’s top rookies in Week 11.

Since New England Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo switched to former UNC standout Drake Maye as his starting quarterback, one of the NFL’s worst offensive units now suddenly has life.

Maye has a touchdown pass in each of his five starts, including a career-high three in his first start against the Houston Texans. Taking Maye’s stats a step further, Maye has multiple touchdown passes in three of those starts.

Maye is fresh off his highest passing yardage total, with 282 in a 28-22 loss to the Los Angeles Rams on Nov. 14. He completed 29-of-39 passes, tossed two touchdowns and ran for 27 yards.

For Maye’s latest outing, he was tabbed one of NFL Analyst/former Good Morning Football host Peter Schrager’s Top 5 Week 11 rookies.

Maye, ranked third amongst Schrager’s rookies, found himself on the list with Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Quinyon Mitchell (second), Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Ladd McConkey, Seattle Seahawks linebacker Tyrice Knight and Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix.

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After New England suffered below-average quarterback play from initial starter Jacoby Brissett, Mayo decided the team needed a spark. That’s why he went to Maye, the third overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, whom the Patriots invested heavily in to be their franchise guy.

Overall through seven appearances, Maye has 1,236 passing yards, nine touchdowns and six interceptions. Maye is also showcasing his speed for the Patriots, collecting 260 rushing yards and a rushing touchdowns, on 28 carries.

What makes Maye’s rookie year even more impressive is that he’s playing behind a struggling offensive line. Maye also lacks a true number one wide receiver, like he had at North Carolina, with the likes of Josh Downs and Devontez Walker.

I was hopeful Maye would be the latest Tar Heel to thrive in the NFL, but I didn’t think it’d be this early in his rookie season. I’m excited to watch how Maye’s career pans out.

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Kaimon Rucker’s historic sack at FSU ties him with UNC legend for sixth all-time

Kaimon Rucker is a sack machine for the UNC football program. His latest sack tied him on the Tar Heels’ all-time list with a football legend.

The North Carolina Tar Heels dominated the Florida State Seminoles in ACC football action on Saturday, marching into Tallahassee and winning 35-11.

UNC’s highlight of the day was star running back Omarion Hampton, who scored all five of his team’s touchdowns. Hampton’s first four came on the ground, setting a career high, then he caught a fourth-quarter score from Jacolby Criswell.

North Carolina’s defense played like its early-2024 form, generating seven sacks against FSU. Kaimon Rucker, who led the Tar Heels with 8.5 sacks in 2023, added a sack of his own against the Seminoles.

What Rucker may not have initially realized, though, is that his lone sack put him in the same company as a football legend.

Rucker’s sack, the 21st of his career, tied him for sixth all-time with Lawrence Taylor. 

If you’re familiar with Taylor, he’s widely regarded as one of the greatest defensive players in football history – both in college and the NFL. Taylor was the 1980 ACC Player of the Year, then generated 132.5 sacks across his 13-year career with the New York Giants.

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After missing five games earlier this year while recovering from a torn meniscus, Rucker’s return has breathed life into the UNC defense. North Carolina has 17 sacks in its past two games, plus it has limited Virginia and FSU to a combined 25 points.

Rucker made a much-welcomed decision to return for his fifth year, bringing 16 career sacks back with him. Rucker is quite the tackling machine, too, generating 170 over his 5-year career.

I’m hopeful Rucker will have a successful NFL career like Taylor, but for now, I’m going to enjoy him in his final games as a Tar Heel.

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WATCH: Former UNC standout Mack Hollins catches go-ahead TD for Buffalo Bills

Mack Hollins shined during his three years at UNC. The former Tar Heel caught his second touchdown of the 2024 NFL season on Sunday afternoon.

It’s a great weekend to be a North Carolina Tar Heels football fan.

Yesterday, UNC dominated Florida State in a 35-11 victory that moved it above .500 – and a step closer to bowl eligibility. Omarion Hampton was a 1-man show for North Carolina, scoring all five touchdowns (four rushing, one receiving).

If you’re watching the 1 p.m. NFL games today, you also likely saw a former Tar Heel score a touchdown.

Mack Hollins, who starred at UNC from 2014-2016 and was the Philadelphia Eagles’ fourth-round pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, caught his second touchdown of the year in the Buffalo Bills‘ AFC East battle with the Miami Dolphins.

Hollins showcased his clutch ability on his touchdown catch. On fourth-and-goal from the 1-yard line, with seven minutes left in the third quarter, Hollins ran across the end zone and caught a Josh Allen bullet in stride.

Buffalo temporarily led by a 12-10 margin after Hollins’ catch, but after a missed extra point and Miami field goal, Buffalo trailed 13-12.

In his three seasons at North Carolina, Hollins showcased his ability as a touchdown machine. He totaled 1,667 receiving yards – and added 20 touchdowns to complement his yardage.

What makes Hollins’ collegiate career even more impressive is the fact he was a former walk-on. Hollins caught passes from Marquise Williams and Mitch Trubisky, the latter of whom is, ironically, a backup with the Bills.

Hollins has been a journeyman since entering the NFL, now on his fifth team in seven seasons. Hollins isn’t a consistent starter but, when he does plays, it always seems like he’s catching touchdowns.

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Jerod Mayo elaborates on Drake Maye’s head injury suffered during Patriots’ victory

Drake Maye suffered a concussion early in Week 8 NFL action, but he initially stayed in the game.

After the New England Patriots dealt with mediocre quarterback play for the first several weeks of their season, they finally turned to former UNC standout Drake Maye ahead of Week 6.

Maye, New England’s third overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, quickly showed glimpses of potential in his first start. Despite three turnovers, Maye threw for 243 yards and three touchdowns in the Patriots’ 41-21 loss against the Houston Texans, considered by many to be a Super Bowl contender.

Fast-forward to last weekend against the New York Jets and, after a few plays, Maye was back on the sidelines.

Maye completed three of six passes for 23 yards. After a late first-quarter hit from Jets linebacker Jamien Sherwood, Maye remained in the game – then later left at the NFL’s discretion.

Maye’s head coach, Jerod Mayo, recently revealed what happened in regards to Maye’s injury and exit.

“I was surprised when (Jim) Whalen told me he (Maye) needed to go the medical tent,” Mayo said in a Monday morning press conference. “He threw a couple of good balls afterward. I thought he was still pretty sharp in those regards. Obviously, it’s above my pay grade as far as pulling him out of the game and putting him in the protocol. It (Maye’s removal) was called down from the league. They wanted to do further evaluation. When I went in there at halftime, he wanted to go back out there, but obviously he didn’t pass the test. And not going to get too far into that. But, at the same time, he went out there and threw a couple good balls after, I guess, supposedly put him in the protocol.”

Concussion have become increasingly common in recent years – and it’s scrutinized when players try and risk their careers after getting knocked. Just look at what Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa is doing.

If Maye plays like he did in his two 2024 starts, he’ll have a long NFL career ahead of him. How will New England play without the 2022 ACC Player of the Year?

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Josh Downs’ second career 100-yard game puts him amongst Week 8 NFL leaders

Josh Downs enjoyed his second career 100-yard game on Sunday afternoon, putting himself amongst the NFL’s weekly leaders.

Eight weeks of the 2024 NFL season have already come and gone – and for one former Tar Heel, he’s having quite the “sophomore year.”

Josh Downs, who played at UNC from 2020-2022, is the guy in question. Downs was a 2-time, First Team All-ACC honoree at North Carolina and finished amongst the program leaders in receiving yards.

Downs, not even two full seasons into his Indianapolis Colts career, continues to show why Indianapolis was wise to take him 79th overall (third round) in the 2023 NFL Draft.

In the Colts’ 23-20 loss to the Houston Texans on Sunday, in a game that could very well go towards deciding the AFC South, Downs caught four passes for 109 yards and a touchdown.

What made Downs’ game so special? Besides the fact that it was his second career 100-yard outing, Downs was one of just 16 NFL receivers – in Week 8 – to hit the rare century mark for receiving yards.

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If it weren’t for Michael Pittman Jr. and Alec Pierce, Downs would undoubtedly be the top guy in Indy. Downs is third on the Colts with 351 receiving yards, plus he’s tied with Pierce for a team-best three receiving touchdowns.

There’s a case quickly being made, though, for Downs being one of the NFL’s best young slot receivers.

As a Tar Heel, Downs achieved another rare distinction of reaching 1,000 receiving yards in consecutive seasons (2019 and 2020). Downs did this while catching passes from two different quarterbacks: Nathan Elliot (2018) and Sam Howell (2019).

Indianapolis is no different for Downs, as he’s catching passes from both Anthony Richardson and Joe Flacco. In 2023, Gardner Minshew was throwing passes under center for the Colts.

There’s one constant for Downs, regardless of who’s slinging the football: he’s a key part of the future in Indianapolis.

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Big Sunday has former UNC WR leading Colts, amongst NFL leaders in receptions

Josh Downs scored a touchdown and led the Indianapolis Colts in two separate categories on Sunday. He’s also amongst the NFL’s best in one of those categories.

The North Carolina Tar Heels have always had an electric offense on the football field, particularly in recent years.

One former player who played a huge role in that electricity is wide receiver Josh Downs, who’s now in his second year with the Indianapolis Colts. Downs was the Colts’ third-round selection in the 2023 NFL Draft, a selection that is already paying dividends.

On Sunday, Oct. 13 in a 20-17 win against the Tennessee Titans, Downs caught seven passes for 66 yards and Indianapolis’ first touchdown of the game. Downs’ reception and yardage total led all pass-catchers, which is a microcosm with the season he’s been enjoying.

Through six games, Downs leads his Colts teammates with 27 receptions. Downs’ total also ties him for 11th-most amongst NFL receivers, along with the Atlanta Falcons‘ Darnell Mooney and Green Bay Packers‘ Jayden Reed.

Not even two full seasons into his NFL career, Downs has over 1,000 receiving yards and four touchdowns.

What makes Downs’ start to his NFL career even more impressive is that he’s caught passes from three different quarterbacks: fellow 2023 draftee Anthony Richardson, journeyman Gardner Minshew and former Super Bowl-winning quarterback Joe Flacco. Having one quarterback allows pass-catchers to develop chemistry and comfortability, but Downs is proving he can produce with anyone.

Downs forms one of the NFL’s best young receiver trios, alongside Michael Pittman Jr. and Alec Pierce. Pittman played his college ball at USC, while Pierce played at Cincinnati.

It’s always great to see Tar Heels thrive at the next level. Downs is the latest example of that.

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WATCH: Former UNC WR Mack Hollins catches touchdown on Monday Night Football

Former UNC wide receiver Mack Hollins helped the Buffalo Bills to a huge win on Monday Night Football.

Whenever Mack Hollins suited up for the North Carolina Tar Heels, he was always one of the most imposing figures on the football field.

Hollins, the 6’4″ wide receiver from Rockville, Md., started as a walk-on at UNC. He left Chapel Hill third in program history with 20 touchdown receptions, then found himself an NFL home with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2017.

Fast-forward seven years and Hollins seems to have found a home with the Buffalo Bills, who signed him to a 1-year contract in the offseason.

On Monday Night Football in limited action action the New York Jets, Hollins caught his lone pass for an 8-yard touchdown, helping Buffalo to a 23-20 win that kept it atop the AFC East. The catch was Hollins’ seventh of the year – and second touchdown of the year.

If you think about his above statline for a second, Hollins is a pretty productive receiver. Two touchdowns on seven catches means Hollins is scoring on nearly 29 percent of his catches, a sign that he should see more playing time.

Hollins has been a journeyman ever since entering the NFL in 2017. He spent two seasons with the Eagles, then three (two full) with the Miami Dolphins. Hollins then set career-high with the Las Vegas Raiders in 2022: 57 catches, 690 receiving yards and four touchdowns (matched 2021 total), before joining the Atlanta Falcons in 2023.

As I alluded to earlier, Buffalo is the perfect situation for Hollins. The Bills lack a true number one receiver, but Hollins has proven to showcase starting-level talent.

When the season is over, will the former Tar Heel make the playoffs again and help Buffalo win its first Super Bowl?

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These stats show how historic Drake Maye’s first career NFL start was

Drake Maye did something yesterday afternoon no other rookie quarterback has in 70+ years.

In hopes of finally returning to their winning ways ahead of the 2024 NFL season, the New England Patriots drafted quarterback Drake Maye third overall in the 2024 NFL Draft.

Maye compiled quite the career at North Carolina: throwing for 8,018 yards and 63 touchdowns, rushing for 1,209 yards and 16 more scores, plus adding 2022 ACC Player and Rookie of the Year to his already-impressive resumé.

Professional football is significantly tougher than college, but with Maye’s standout Tar Heels career, many New England fans hoped he’d be starting from Week 1.

That wasn’t the case, but quickly changed a few weeks into the current NFL season.

On Sunday, Oct. 13, Maye made his first career NFL start against the Houston Texans – and made some history in the process, doing something no other quarterback has done since 1950.

Despite fumbling once and tossing a pair of interceptions, Maye played well otherwise. The rookie out of UNC completed 20 of his 33 passes, tallying 243 yards and three touchdowns, while leading the Patriots with 38 rushing yards.

Maye’s passing prowess was welcomed by virtually any New England fan, as Brissett never ONCE surpassed 200 passing yards in his five starts. Brissett also threw two total touchdowns in those five starts. The Patriots’ rushing game was also a huge eye-sore outside of Maye, with three running backs gaining a combined 44 yards on 21 carries.

Maye will encounter a new first in his next NFL game this coming weekend, when New England faces the Jacksonville Jaguars. This will be Maye’s first international game, as the 2018 AFC Championship rematch will be played across the pond in London, England’s Wembley Stadium.

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Three NFL legends impressed by Drake Maye’s first NFL start

Bill Cowher, Matt Ryan and J.J. Watt all gave Drake Maye major compliments following the former Tar Heel’s first NFL start Sunday.

The New England Patriots chose former UNC star quarterback Drake Maye third overall in the 2024 NFL Draft, hoping he can be their next franchise quarterback.

Many hoped Maye would start from Day One, given a standout collegiate career in which Maye was named the 2022 ACC Player of the Year, but New England head coach Jerod Mayo started proven NFL veteran Jacoby Brissett instead.

Brissett’s run didn’t last long and Maye made his first career start on Sunday, Oct. 13 against the Houston Texans. Maye turned the ball over three times, but he also shined with 265 passing yards, three touchdowns and a Patriots-best 38 rushing yards.

Maye’s first start was so impressive that it caught the eye of several, high-profile former NFL stars, including 2016 MVP Matt Ryan, Super Bowl XL-winning coach Bill Cowher and 3-time Defensive Player of the Year J.J. Watt.

“I’m encouraged by the way Drake Maye played,” Watt said postgame. “I am definitely encouraged, going forward, that he is a guy I can get excited about.”

“I thought putting him in there was the right thing to do right now,” Cowher said. “He gives them the best chance to win.”

“I was pleasantly surprised with what I saw from him,” Ryan said. “The level of athleticism he provided to that football team: making guys around him better. Also throwing the football down the field, which is an area they had struggled in coming into this game. Good on Drake Maye. He came out there and performed really well.”

Maye’s first touchdown came in the waning seconds of the first half, a 40-yard bomb to second-year wide receiver Kayshoun Boutte. Maye also tossed touchdowns to Hunter Henry and DeMario Douglas, both in the second half.

If Maye keeps playing like he did Sunday, he’ll be gaining recognition on a weekly basis.

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